Oddities, musings and news from the health world

Attention to beverage calories grows, but has yet to catch up with waistlines

May 27, 2010 | 10:50
am

Calories count, even if they're not chewed. Consumers know this, and yet still they splurge. (Often daily. At every meal. And in between meals.) But, finally, it seems, they're starting to do the math, even as researchers are analyzing the finer effects of what we drink.

From the abstract: "The consumer shift toward increased levels of [sugar-sweetened beverages] and alcohol, limited amounts of reduced fat milk along with a continued consumption of whole milk, and increased juice intake represent issues to address from a public health perspective."

From the abstract: "Epidemiological data suggests that moderate alcohol intake may protect against obesity, particularly in women. In contrast, higher intakes of alcohol in the absence of alcohol dependence may increase the risk of obesity, as may binge-drinking, however these effects may be secondary to personality and habitual beverage preferences."

And now we have the just-released Drink This, Not That!, both for consumers who prefer the simplicity of being told what to do and for those who enjoy marveling at the shocking number of calories available for a relative pittance. (Perhaps you've perused Eat This, Not That! Same approach.)

The new offering gives this example, among others: A Gotta Have It (i.e. large) sized PB&C shake from Cold Stone Creamery: 2,010 calories.

It's unclear just how popular such an offering is -- or whether an almost-500 calorie alternative is truly the best way to go.

And here's some free advice on choosing beverages from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among the tips: Skip whipped cream at the coffee shop. Ask that smoothies be prepared without added sugar. And then there's this: Drink water with meals.